John Marvin Gamber

John M. Gamber, 79, of Elkton, Maryland, passed away on March 12, 2026 following a sudden cardiac event. He was born in 1946 on a farm near Fillmore, Pennsylvania, and grew up in rural central Pennsylvania, where he learned the value of hard work and personal responsibility from an early age. As a young man, he worked in the fields helping ensure the quality of corn harvests during the summer months. He often said those early experiences taught him a lesson he carried throughout his life: if you are responsible for something, you do it well. During the Vietnam era, Mr. Gamber chose to join the United States Navy after receiving his draft notice. He was selected for the Navy’s nuclear power program, one of the most demanding technical training programs in the military, and served as a reactor operator aboard the USS Bainbridge (CGN-25), one of the Navy’s nuclear-powered ships. During his service he survived the 1969 collision involving the USS Frank E. Evans (DD-754) in the South China Sea, an event that remained with him throughout his life. After leaving the Navy in 1970, Mr. Gamber pursued higher education using the GI Bill. He attended Pennsylvania State University and graduated in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree. His first professional role was as a high school industrial arts teacher, where he worked with students with special needs to help them develop practical skills that would allow them to pursue meaningful employment and independence. He later returned to the nuclear field and built a long career as a nuclear power plant inspector and engineering specialist. Mr. Gamber spent many years with Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited, traveling throughout the United States and internationally to evaluate nuclear facilities and contribute to the advancement of nuclear safety and engineering standards. Colleagues knew him for his technical expertise, problem-solving ability, and commitment to doing things the right way. Outside of his professional work, Mr. Gamber enjoyed building and fixing things, a habit that reflected the same practical mindset that shaped his career. He spent many hours working on classic cars and other mechanical projects, always interested in understanding how things worked and how they could be improved. He was also a lifelong fan of Penn State Nittany Lions football and followed the team with pride. He also enjoyed travel and the opportunity to experience new places. In reflecting on one trip later in life, he wrote that “Kauai is by far the most beautiful place I have been,” a place whose natural beauty made a lasting impression on him. Throughout his life he believed strongly in fairness, dignity, and the equitable treatment of others. Those values shaped how he approached both his professional work and his relationships with others. Mr. Gamber is survived by his wife, Afrose Gamber of Elkton, Maryland, his daughter, Christina K. King (Bud) of Dover, Delaware; his son, Michael J. Gamber of New York, New York; his stepsons, Ian Binesar (Paula), Sharlon Binesar, and Emmanuel Taylor (Sanya); his grandchildren, Stone Allen, Jasmine Binesar, Cassandra Binesar, Kaelyn McGilvrey, Adelynn Binesar, and Eden Taylor; his nephews, Brian Gamber (Terri) and David Gamber (Anne); along with other nieces and nephews. In honor of Mr. Gamber’s life and values, the family invites those wishing to make a memorial contribution to consider the Wounded Warrior Project which supports veterans affected by their military service. Donations may also be sent to the Human Rights Campaign Foundation which works to advance fairness and equitable treatment for all people. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Friday, April 24, 2026 from 10-11 AM at The Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home, 635 Churchmans Rd., Newark, DE 19702. A memorial service with military honors will be follow at 11 AM. Burial will be private. Friends, colleagues, and family members are invited to share memories, tributes, and condolences for the family on this memorial page at www.stranofeeley.com. Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home 302-731-5459

John Marvin Gamber

March 20, 1946 - March 12, 2026

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